Descendants of Thomas Woodruff

Submitted by Irma Sohnchen

1st Generation

1. THOMAS WOODRUFF was born July 9, 1748 in Augusta County, VA¹ and died March 19, 1829 in Bibb County, AL². He married Eunice . She was born January 16, 1755 in Augusta County, VA³ and died August 15, 1830 in Bibb County, AL⁴.

Children of THOMAS WOODRUFF and Eunice:
   i.        Nancy Woodruff was born February 16, 1772⁵.
  ii.        Josiah Woodruff was born February 19, 1774⁶.
 iii.        Jemima Woodruff was born October 25, 1776⁷.
  iv.  2.  Nathaniel Woodruff was born May 3, 1779 in North Carolina and died October 5, 1832 in Bibb County, AL.
   v.        Joseph Woodruff was born May 27, 1783⁸.
  vi.  3.  SAMUEL WOODRUFF was born November 5, 1785 in Surry County, North Carolina and died November 10, 1837 in
              Bibb County, AL.
 vii.        Elizabeth Woodruff was born November 3, 1788⁹.
viii.       Anny Woodruff was born December 12, 1791¹⁰.

Notes on THOMAS WOODRUFF
Notes
Our Woodruff Family came to the US around 1639 from Fordwich, Kent England. The original immigrant was John Woodruff. He settled first in Southhampton, LI, NY and later in Elizabethtown, N.J. where he died in 1691. From there, we come down through Joseph Woodruff who died in 1792 in Westfield, NJ. His son Nathaniel moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, where Thomas was born. The family then went down the Shendoah Trail into Surry County, NC, where Samuel and his brother Nathaniel were born. They were in Spartanburg District of SC by 1782 where Thomas shows up on the Tax records for that year. Thomas' will was written on 29 December 1825, as the family was preparing to leave for Alabama. It was probated in Bibb County in 1829 and the estate settled in 1830.

Records from Surry Co., NC Land Entried, 1778-1781
Thomas Woodruff enters 50 acres of land in Surry Co. on the N side of the Yadkin River joining John Scritchfields (dec'd) old line beginning at the upper end and at his old beginning running N then up the river including whereon Amos Scritchfield now lives. No dates are given, but warrant is granted.

Thomas Woodruff enters 300 acres of land in Surry Co. on N side of the Yadkin River beginning at a place known by the Person Rocks then runs N thence down the rivere of quantity - August 8, 1778. October 6, 1778 caveated by Amos Critchfield. Returned to Court. Jury found for Critchfield. Money Returned.


2nd Generation (Children)

2. Nathaniel Woodruff was born May 3, 1779 in North Carolina¹¹ and died October 5, 1832 in Bibb County , AL¹². He married 1st Mary McDaniel June 19, 1814¹³. She was born September 26, 1778¹⁴ and died September 6, 1827 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL¹⁵. He married 2nd Anny Crawford May 24, 1828 in Bibb County, AL¹⁶.

Other events in the marriage of Nathaniel Woodruff and Anny Crawford
Marriage : May 24, 1828 in Bibb County, AL ¹⁷
_DSTP :

Children of Nathaniel Woodruff and Mary McDaniel:
   i.   4.     Newton McDaniel Woodruff was born December 2, 1816 in Spartanburg Co., S. C. and died Before 1850 in Shelby
                County, AL.
  ii.          Washington H. Woodruff was born May 4, 1819 in Spartanburg Co., S. C.¹⁸ and died May 16, 1841.
 iii.   5.    Martha Ann Woodruff was born March 19, 1821 in Spartanburg District, SC and died December 26, 1862 in Shelby
                County, Alabama.

Notes on Nathaniel Woodruff
After the death of Mary McDaniel, Nathaniel married Anna Crawford, a recently widowed friend of the family. They had known each other since the days of the trek from S.C. Left without a family, Anna needed the security of the marriage and Nathaniel needed a wife and stepmother for his children. They married on 5/5/1828, eight months after the death of Mary. Hannah Woodruff had assumed the role of Mother after the death of Mary, and the two boys were apparently disappointed when they had to accept Anna as their step-mother. On October 5, 1832, Nathaniel passed away after a short illness. Newton, age sixteen, and Washington, age 13, went to live with Samuel and Hannah. Martha Ann, age 11, stayed with Anna in the big house. Samuel took over the livelihood for both families. [From information provided by William S. Perry]

Notes on Nathaniel Woodruff and Anny Crawford
Marriage Information from Alabama Marriages 1800-1920 OSPage 23 Performed by Justice of the Peace Surety/Perf. Name D.R. Boyd


3. SAMUEL WOODRUFF was born November 5, 1785 in Surry County, North Carolina¹⁹ and died November 10, 1837 in Bibb County, AL²⁰. He married Hannah Lavalle About 1816 in South Carolina. She was born October 9, 1790 in South Carolina²¹ and died January 28, 1847 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL²².

Other events in the life of SAMUEL WOODRUFF
Born : November 5, 1785²³
Burial : City Cemetery, Centerville, Alabama

Other events in the life of Hannah Lavalle
Burial : City Cemetery, Centerville, Alabama

Children of SAMUEL WOODRUFF and Hannah Lavalle:
   i.   6.     Amanda Louisa Woodruff was born March 25, 1817 in Spartanburg District, SC and died June 17, 1883 in Sturgis,
                 Oktibbeha, MS.
  ii.   7.     Cicero D. R. Woodruff was born 1827 in Bibb County, AL and died After 1860 in Shelby County, Alabama.
 iii.   8.     Amazon Minerva Woodruff was born February 10, 1829 in Bibb County, AL and died April 5, 1849 in Centreville, Bibb
                 County, AL.
 iv.   9.     MINERVA NARCISSA ANNE FRANCES WOODRUFF was born May 11, 1832 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama
                and died July 14, 1903 in McCalla, Jefferson County, Alabama.
   v.  10.   Samuel L. C. Woodruff was born 1834 in Bibb County, AL and died Before 1870 in Starksville, MS.
  vi.  11.   Columbus Q. G. Woodruff was born 1835 in Bibb County, AL and died After 1870 in Robertson County, TX.

Notes on SAMUEL WOODRUFF
Notes
These are from the notes of William S. Perry: When Alabama was awarded statehood in 1819, a huge migration to the Cahaba District in the middle of the state began. Many people from the Spartanburg area of S.C. came to AL, among them Samuel and his brother Nathaniel. The Woodruff men were looking for water power to energize the cotton gins that were increasingly in demand. Also, they needed the water to transport the commodity to market. In 1826, the two arrived in the little village of Centerville, AL. For several days the traversed the land seeking out possible sites that might be available to them. Finally, they purchased 80 acres of rich level bottom land, located across the river from the village. The land was farmed by the Choctaw Indians, and was ready for planting. For the first time in the young lives of the Woodruff boys, the land wasn't free for the taking. The property bordered a main highway to the south, and the river to the east. To the west, the highway ran for about 15 miles to intersect with the Old Huntsville Road to Tuscaloosa. The river flowed south into the Alabama River where the old former state capital of Cahaba was located. Upon returning to SC the two brothers and their families, joined a caravan consisting of several hundred prople and prepared for the journey. In late May 1826, they began the trek with oxen-drawn wagons, arriving in central AL sometime around the first week of August of that year. The property was divided into two tracts of forty acres each. Nathaniel and his wife Mary McDaniel took the southern half facing the highway. An existing house and barn were remodeled for use by both families which had easy access to the highway. There existed an old shallow water well that was in need of repair. They took rock from the river bed to reline the walls of the well. After they settled in, the next step was to harness the river for water power to operate a cotton gin. Their first attempt to build a dam failed after the first flood. A second site was selected down-river and this dam held for several decades, until it was destroyed by a unit of the Union Army known as Wilson's Raiders at the close of the war. The first child of Samuel and Hannah, Amanda Louisa was born in South Carolina. The second child, Cicero, was born in 1826 in Bibb County, and a new house was constructed on the northern forty acres. In 1829 Amazon Martha Maria Woodruff was born. In 1832 Minerva Narcissa Anne Frances Woodruff was born. Frances was nick-named "Fannie" and was the mother of our grandmother, Velma Frances Calhoun. The next two were Samuel and Columbus. The next 20 years were a struggle for life for the Alabama Woodruff families. Samuel Woodruff, Sr. died on November 10, 1837. He was killed in an accident working at the cotton warehouse preparing for a shipment of cotton bound for Selma, AL.

Inventory from the Estate of Samuel Woodruff,
Centreville, Bibb County, Al. February 28, 1838

An account of sales of the property belonging to Samuel Woodruff deceased sold by A.C. Harrison and Hannah Woodruff, Administrators of the Estate of deceased on the day and date above.

A. C. Harrison, Administrator, sworn to and submitted in open court 8th May 1838
William Caddell, clk.
State of Alabama, Orphans Court, May sitting, Bibb County 1838
Received, Examined and ordered to be entered of record J. [John] E. Summer, Judge, Bibb County Court.



3rd Generation (Grandchildren)

4. Newton McDaniel Woodruff was born December 2, 1816 in Spartanburg Co., S. C.²⁴ and died Before 1850 in Shelby County, AL. He married Frances Maria Abney December 19, 1837 in Shelby County, AL²⁵. She was born February 1820 in Richmond, Virginia and died January 1898 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL, daughter of Thomas Hamilton Abney and Mary Holmes.

Other events in the life of Newton McDaniel Woodruff
Burial : Smith-Mahan Cemetary, AL (Community Baptist Church)

Other events in the life of Frances Maria Abney
Census : 1850 in E.C. River, Part 2, Bibb County, AL
Census : 1860 in Randolph P. O.,E.C. River, Bibb County, AL
Census : 1880 in Jacksonville, Calhoun County, AL


Children of Newton McDaniel Woodruff and Frances Maria Abney:
   i.   12.     George F. Woodruff was born September 1839 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL and died Before 1910 in Gadsden,
                  Etowah County, AL.
  ii.            Mary Woodruff was born 1840.
 iii.  13.     Fannie A. M. Woodruff was born 1843 in Alabama and died July 17, 1891 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL.

Notes on Newton McDaniel Woodruff
Notes
Newton Woodruff reached legal age, 21 days after his father died. As soon as he reached legal age for guardianship, he sold his family's home place along with the 38 acres that went with the place, and settled all other business interests his father had, including the cotton gin business. Anna Crawford and Martha Ann were forced to vacate and move elsewhere. Newton then married his childhood sweetheart, Frances Abney on December 19, 1837. Her father, T.H. Abney was in the coal mining business in Shelby County, AL., just across the Bibb County line, about 17 miles east of Centreville, where he owned and operated a coal mine. It appears that Newton invested heavily in the business. After seven years of mine ownership, he was killed in a mine accident. Included among the several men killed was Mr. Abney. They are buried in the Smith-Mahan Cemetery located about four miles west of the Shelby County Line, on Highway 25. His wife, Frances, who died later is buried in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL. with her son George F. Woodruff. Most of the above are from the notes of William S. Perry.


5. Martha Ann Woodruff was born March 19, 1821 in Spartanburg District, SC²⁶ and died December 26, 1862 in Shelby County, Alabama²⁷. She married Horace Ware June 24, 1841 in Bibb County, AL²⁸. He was born April 11, 1812 in Lynn, Massachusetts and died July 2, 1890 in North Highlands, Jefferson County, AL, son of Jonathan Ware and Roxanna Howe Richardson.

Other events in the life of Martha Ann Woodruff
Burial : December 1862 in Columbiana City Cemetery, Columbiana, AL²⁹

Other events in the life of Horace Ware
Burial : Oak Hill Cemetery


Children of Martha Ann Woodruff and Horace Ware:
   i.         Josephine Ware was born 1844.
  ii.         Henrietta Ware was born 1846.
 iii.         Jonathan Ware was born 1849.
  iv.        Roxana Ware was born November 18, 1852 in
               Columbiana, Shelby County, AL and died September 23, 1853 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL.


6. Amanda Louisa Woodruff³⁰ was born March 25, 1817 in Spartanburg District, SC and died June 17, 1883 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. He married 1st Absalom Chism Harrison August 16, 1832 in Bibb County, Alabama. He was born July 15, 1804 in Tennessee and died October 9, 1841 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL, son of John Malone Harrison and Pherbia Chisum. He married 2nd Felix Shropshire April 15, 1843 in Bibb County, Alabama. He was born January 9, 1817 in Georgia and died June 23, 1896 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.

Other events in the life of Amanda Louisa Woodruff
Burial : Whitefield Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS 31
Census : 1860 in West Side Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL

Other events in the life of Absalom Chism Harrison
Burial : Centreville Memorial Cemetery

Other events in the life of Felix Shropshire
Burial : Whitefield Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS 32
Census : 1850 in West Side Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL
Census : 1860 in Centreville, PO, West Side Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL
Occupation : 1860 in Farmer

Children of Amanda Louisa Woodruff and Absalom Chism Harrison:
   i.   14.     Geraldine Malissa M Harrison was born November 1833 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL.
  ii.   15.     Absolam Harrison was born About 1838 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died 1914 in Hineston, Rapides Parish,
                   Louisiana.
 iii.   16.     Amanda Harrison (also known as "Aunt Tommie") was born About 1841 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL.
  iv.            Virgil Harrison was born in Centreville, Bibb County, AL.

Children of Amanda Louisa Woodruff and Felix Shropshire:
   v.   17.     Margaret Shropshire was born January 17, 1848 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died March 28, 1881 in Webster, Winston, MS.
  vi.   18.     Robert Augustus Shropshire was born 1846 in Bibb County, Alabama and died 1885 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.
 vii.   19.     Frank W. Shropshire was born About 1850 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died 1916 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.
viii.   20.     Virginia Amazon Shropshire (also known as "Jenny") was born December 12, 1856 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died November 13, 1929 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.
  ix.   21.     Felix Everette Shropshire was born December 31, 1852 in Bibb County, Alabama and died April 28, 1936 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.


7. Cicero D. R. Woodruff was born 1827 in Bibb County, AL and died After 1860 in Shelby County, Alabama. He married Cyria Ann Ware August 4, 1842 in Shelby County, AL. She was born About 1825 in Weehawken, Hudson, NJ and died Before 1860 in Shelby County, Alabama, daughter of Jonathan Ware and Roxanna Howe Richardson.

Other events in the life of Cicero D. R. Woodruff
Census : 1850 in Shelby County, Alabama. page 254
Occupation : Clergyman, Cumberland Presbyterian

Children of Cicero D. R. Woodruff and Cyria Ann Ware:
   i.          Dodridge Woodruff was born About 1844.
  ii.   22.  Linden Woodruff was born About 1846.
 iii.   23.  Cicero Demosthenes R. Woodruff was born About 1849 in Arkansas.
 iv.   24.  Annison Woodruff was born About 1852 in Arkansas.

Notes on Cicero D. R. Woodruff
From information provided from the archives of the Cumberland Presbytery, Cicero Wooruff was a minister in 1854 at the Eylton Presbytery in Randolph County, AL.

20 September 1839 Cicero D.R. Woodruff registered Land Certificate 21207 In the Tuscaloosa Land Office for 39.75 acres of land in Bibb County

20 September 1839 Cicero D. R. Woodruff registered Land Certificate 21208 In the Tuscaloosa Land Office for 39.65 acres of land in Bibb County


8. Amazon Minerva Woodruff was born February 10, 1829 in Bibb County, AL and died April 5, 1849 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL³³. She married Henry David Calhoun December 3, 1847 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. He was born 1821 in Fairfield County, S.C. and died September 22, 1868 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL³⁴, son of ALEXANDER CALHOUN³⁵ and Margaret Henry.

Other events in the life of Henry David Calhoun
Census : 1850 in W.C. River, Bibb County, AL, Part 2
Census : 1860 in West Side Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL
Cremation : 1868 in Bibb County, AL.
Occupation : 1850 in Farmer
Occupation : 1860 in Farmer
Civil : AL³⁶
Residence : 1860 in Not Stated, Bibb, Alabama³⁷

Children of Amazon Minerva Woodruff and Henry David Calhoun:
   i.          David Henry Alexander Calhoun was born 1849 and died October 19, 1867 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL³⁸.


9. MINERVA NARCISSA ANNE FRANCES WOODRUFF was born May 11, 1832 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama and died July 14, 1903 in McCalla, Jefferson County, Alabama³⁹. She married Henry David Calhoun January 30, 1850 in Centerville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was born 1821 in Fairfield County, S.C. and died September 22, 1868 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL⁴⁰, son of ALEXANDER CALHOUN⁴¹ and Margaret Henry.

Other events in the life of MINERVA NARCISSA ANNE FRANCES WOODRUFF
Burial : Mt Pleasant Methodist Church, McCalle, Al
Residence : 1888 in Arlington Ave., Between 18th and 19th, Bessemer, AL
Census : 1880 in Old Town, Perry County, AL
Census : 1900 in Bessemer City, Jefferson Cnty., AL ED 120 Roll 22 Bk. 1 Pg. 24

Other events in the life of Henry David Calhoun
Census : 1850 in W.C. River, Bibb County, AL, Part 2
Census : 1860 in West Side Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL
Cremation : 1868 in Bibb County, AL.
Occupation : 1850 in Farmer
Occupation : 1860 in Farmer
Civil : AL⁴²
Residence : 1860 in Not Stated, Bibb, Alabama⁴³

Children of MINERVA NARCISSA ANNE FRANCES WOODRUFF and Henry David Calhoun:
   i.          Doddridge Butler Calhoun was born 1851 in Bibb County, AL and died August 1, 1867 in Bibb County, AL.
  ii.   25.  Ella LaValle Calhoun was born March 26, 1853 and died May 26, 1921 in Jefferson County, AL.
 iii.   26.  MARTHA FRANCES VELMA CALHOUN was born November 1855 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL and died June 1924 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama.
  iv.          John Caldwell Calhoun was born 1857 in Bibb County , AL and died December 28, 1867 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL⁴⁴.
   v.          Julia Lavert Calhoun was born 1859 in Bibb County, AL and died September 17, 1868 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL⁴⁵.
  vi.          Libbia Lorena Calhoun was born 1863 in Bibb County, AL and died October 15, 1870 in Arizona, Claiborne Parish, LA.

Notes on MINERVA NARCISSA ANNE FRANCES WOODRUFF
Frances is in the 1880 Census at the home of her daughter Velma and son-in-law John L. Perry. Old Town, Perry County, AL. By 1886 they have all moved to McCalla, Alabama in Jefferson County in the vicinity of Bessemer.


10. Samuel L. C. Woodruff was born 1834 in Bibb County, AL and died Before 1870 in Starksville, MS. He married M artha C. Portlock October 10, 1853 in Lauderdale County, AL⁴⁶. She was born About 1833 in Lauderdale County, AL and died Before 1880 in Mississippi, daughter of John A. Portlock and Mahala Hudson.

Other events in the life of Samuel L. C. Woodruff
Census : 1850 in W.C. River, Bibb County, AL
Census : 1860 in Starksville,Oktibbeha County, MS, pg. 9

Other events in the life of Martha C. Portlock
Census : 1860 in Starkville, Oktibbeha, MS. Pg. 9

Children of Samuel L. C. Woodruff and Martha C. Portlock:
   i.         Fannie Woodruff was born 1855 in Lauderdale County, AL.
  ii.         Willie Woodruff was born 1856 in Lauderdale County, AL.
 iii.  27.  Mary Molly V. Woodruff was born February 1859 in Oktibbeha, MS and died After 1920.
 iv.  28.  John H. Woodruff was born 1863 and died April 20, 1912 in Florence, Lauderdale County, AL.


11. Columbus Q. G. Woodruff was born 1835 in Bibb County, AL and died After 1870 in Robertson County, TX. He married Rachael A. Drennan April 12, 1859 in Ashely County, AR, Film# 0970981-09709086. She was born About 1837 in Alabama and died After 1880 in Robertson County, TX, daughter of Shadrack Deale Drennan and Mary Polly Minerva Hill.

Other events in the life of Columbus Q. G. Woodruff
Census : 1850 in West Cahaba River, Bibb County, AL
Census : 1860 in Ashley County, AR, Extra Township
Military service : Alf Johnson's Texas Spy Company, Civil War
Fact 1 : 1860 in Slave Schedule , Extra, Ashley, Arkansas

Other events in the life of Rachael A. Drennan
Census : 1880 in Robertson County, TX ED 139-140

Children of Columbus Q. G. Woodruff and Rachael A. Drennan:
   i.         Thomas Woodruff was born About 1867 in Texas.

Notes on Columbus Q. G. Woodruff
Notes
In the 1850 Census, Columbus is in the household of Felix Shropshire

Listed in the 1860 Slave Schedule in Extra, Ashely, Arkansas with:
1 Male - 73 Years Black
1 Male - 17 Years Black 1 Male - 15 years Black
1 Male - 13 Years Black
1 Male - 10 Years Black

1 Female -35 Years - Black 1 Female- 18 Years - Black
1 Female - 11 Years - Black
1 Female - 4 Years- Black
1 Female - 1 Year - Black
1 Female- 1 Year - Black
1 Female - 65 Years-Black

1848 Tax List-District 1 - Bibb County, Alabama
WOODRUFF, Columbus I. G. by Felix SHROPSHUR Guardian - Secs. 8, 17, T. 23 R. 9. Value $540. (p. 105)



4th Generation (Great-Grandchildren)

12. George F. Woodruff was born September 1839 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL and died Before 1910 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL. He married Emma F. 1870 . She was born April 1847 in Alabama and died April 11, 1922 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL^47,48.

Other events in the life of George F. Woodruff
Census : 1860 in Randolph PO, East Side Cahaba River, Bibb Co., AL
Census : 1880 in Jacksonville, Calhoun County, AL
Census : 1900 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL 1st. Precinct book 2 pg. 42
Occupation : 1860 in School Teacher
Occupation : 1880 in Farmer
Occupation : 1900 in Watchman, Carworks
Residence : 1900 in 283 8th Street, Gadsden, AL
Military service : Between 1861 and 1865 in CSA - 11th Alabama Regiment Co. F

Other events in the life of Emma F.
Census : 1910 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL ED 58
Census : 1900 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL 1st. Precinct book 2 pg. 42
Census : 1920 in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL ED 92
Occupation : 1910 in Keeping House
Residence : 1910 in 238 8th Street, Gadsden, AL

Notes on George F. Woodruff
In the 1860 Census - George Woodruff is in the household of Thomas Abney - along with his Mother, Frances Woodruff (spelled Francis in the census)

From an email received from Ron Griffin, 9/9/2004: "George enlisted in Co. F, 11th Alabama on June 11, 1861. He was sick early on, and was discharged from Culpeper C. H. General Hospital on August 13, 1861. He was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, which was the first battle the 11th Alabama was engaged in. He was then absent, furloughed, until after Sharpsburg, probably due to the wound. He was present at the big battle of Salem's Church, and was captured at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. He spent the remainder of the War at Ft. Delaware Prison, until being released on June 14, 1865." Ron Griffin is currently researching and writing a work on the 11th Alabama Regiment.


13. Fannie A. M. Woodruff was born 1843 in Alabama and died July 17, 1891 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL. She married John Stone Leeper 1873 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL. He was born April 1843 in St. Clair County, Alabama and died Before 1900 in Alabama, son of Samuel Leeper and Elenora Stone.

Other events in the life of Fannie A. M. Woodruff
Burial : July 1891 in Columbiana City Cemetery, Columbiana, AL

Other events in the life of John Stone Leeper
Census : July 6, 1860 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL Pg. 16(Age 17)
Occupation : 1860 in Clerk in Store


14. Geraldine Malissa M Harrison was born November 1833 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. She married W. James Rousseau. He was born June 1, 1829 in Lincoln, Tennessee and died February 16, 1916 in Starksville, MS.

Other events in the life of Geraldine Malissa M Harrison
Census : 1900 in Ward 4, Starkville, Oktibbeha, MS. ED 87

Other events in the life of W. James Rousseau
Census : 1900 in Ward 4, Starkville, Oktibbeha, MS. ED 87
Occupation : 1900 in Assistant P.M.
Burial : Odd Fellow Cemetery, Sturgis, MS


15. Absolam Harrison was born About 1838 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died 1914 in Hineston, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He married Frances (Fannie) . She was born 1856 and died 1911 in Hineston, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

Other events in the life of Absolam Harrison
Census : 1850 in Bibb County,Al. W.C. River
Census : 1880 in Oktibbeha, MS
Census : 1910 in 5-WD Hineston Rapides, Louisiana ED 89 Roll 527 Book 2 Pg. 160a
Occupation : 1880 in Farmer
Occupation : 1910 in Merchant, General Mdse.
Burial : New Hope Baptist Church, Hineston, LA⁴⁹

Other events in the life of Frances (Fannie)
Census : 1910 in 5-WD- Hineston, Rapides, Louisiana ED 89 Roll 527 Book 2 Pg. 160a
Burial : New Hope Baptist Church, Hineston, LA⁵⁰

Notes on Absolam Harrison
In the 1850 Census, Absolem is in the household of Felix Shroshire. By, 1910 Absolem had moved to Louisiana - in his household is Chibb(?) Harrison listed as a grandson


16. Amanda Harrison (also known as "Aunt Tommie") was born About 1841 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL.


17. Margaret Shropshire was born January 17, 1848 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died March 28, 1881 in Webster, Winston, MS. She married 1st Patrick Clay Henry in Bibb County, Alabama. She married 2nd H. Turner .

Other events in the life of Margaret Shropshire
Burial : Bevil Hill Cemetery, Winston Co., MS
Census : 1880 in Webster, Winston, MS.
Occupation : 1880 in Keeps House

Notes on Margaret Shropshire
In 1880 Margaret and Wirt Shropshire, Sr., her son, are in the household of H. Turner. She remarried after Patrick Henry desserted.


18. Robert Augustus Shropshire was born 1846 in Bibb County, Alabama and died 1885 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. He married Augustus Smith . She was born in Mississippi.

Other events in the life of Robert Augustus Shropshire
Burial : Whitefield Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS
Census : 1880 in Dist. 4, Oktibbeha, MS. Pg. 407D LDS Film 1254660
Occupation : 1880 in Farmer


19. Frank W. Shropshire was born About 1850 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died 1916 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. He married Mary Alice Josey . She was born March 14, 1852 in Mississippi and died January 12, 1886 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.

Other events in the life of Frank W. Shropshire
Census : 1880 in Beat 1 Oktibbeha, MS Pg. 330C LDS File 1254660
Census : 1900 in Beat 1 Oktibbeha, MS ED 82 Pg. 11A
Census : 1910 in Longview Township, Oktibbeha Co., MS, Rol 754 Book 2 Pg. 1A ED 94
Occupation : 1900 in Farmer

Notes on Frank W. Shropshire
Letter from Frances Woodruff Calhoun to Frank Woodruff Shropshire
Dated January 18, 1886 from McCalla, Alabama

Mr. Frank Shropshire

My dearest nephew,
   Tis with fullness of sadness and heartfelt sympathy that I write to you. I heard of your afflictions through dear Mollie who kept me posted most the time of Alice's ill health and I hoped that she would recover, but alas God wanted her for his own and this our duty to do his will, let it be never so hard. We feel that we can't give up our loved ones, tis impossible but, He knoweth best and doeth all things for our good. we as Earthly beings cannot see it, but God in his Allwise Providence seeth and knoweth what is best for us an He doeth all things for his glory and we must [? word obscured] to his will. For whom he loveth he chasteneth, if ye [?? two words not legible], God healeth with you as sons. Ask him to give you grace and strength to sustain you in all your trials and afflections.
   [?] our children [?] good do your duty to the best of your ability, and God will help you. talk to them kindly, reason with them, be patient, and dont punish them too often nor too severely.
   They are little innocent babes not knowing right from wrong until they are taught and no one to look too but you.
   I know you feel as though you can never bear up under your great bereavement, time is a great healer, in the course of time the wound will be healed, but not forgotten.
   Every anniversary of her death will be as fresh in your mind as now, but the [?] any wish of sorrow will have passed some what, but when you think of the past and see the dear one suffering and a person on Earth can remember and your standing by with folded hands unable to sooth one pain, then the tears will well up in your eyes and your heart seem bursting, the pang will pass away sooner than at first.
   May God bless you, and give you strength to bear up under your deep sorrow that seams to you now that you can't bare.
   I write this because I have experienced it and I know and feel what I have said. none knows how to sympathize but those who have passed through the same order.
   Our family is well except Jap [must be John Alexander Perry] who has been confined to his room a week. Ella says she thinks of you in your great trouble.
   Kiss the children for me, tell them I have not forgotten them.
   With much love and tender feelings to you
         I am
             your affectionate Aunt
                  Fannie Calhoun

   From the notes of Arden Shropshire, MS - this letter was on the death of Frank Shropshire's wife, Alice. She died just after childbirth. Arden's aunt told him that it was freezing and the mid wife's were tending to her frantically and forgot about the baby in the next room over. The baby froze to death. She made my grandfather promise to never remarry - he didn't. His five children went to live with his brothers and sisters for the next year while he recovered.

   In 1910 Frank W. Shropshire is in the household of his son, Shellie Shropshire, in Longview.


20. Virginia Amazon Shropshire (also known as "Jenny") was born December 12, 1856 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL. and died November 13, 1929 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. She married James Woods Edwards October 26, 1882 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. He was born March 18, 1845 and died July 16, 1909 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.

Other events in the life of Virginia Amazon Shropshire
Burial : Stugis Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS⁵¹

Other events in the life of James Woods Edwards
Burial : Stugis Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS


21. Felix Everette Shropshire was born December 31, 1852 in Bibb County, Alabama and died April 28, 1936 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS. He married Ella Cornelia Oswalt . She was born November 16, 1853 in Mississippi and died September 9, 1944 in Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS.

Other events in the life of Felix Everette Shropshire
Census : 1930 in Beat 4, Oktibbeha, MS
Occupation : 1930 in Farmer
Burial : Stugis Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS

Other events in the life of Ella Cornelia Oswalt
Burial : Stugis Cemetery, Sturgis, Oktibbeha, MS


22. Linden Woodruff was born About 1846.

Notes on Linden Woodruff
In 1869 Registered Voters Precinct #1 for Columbiana, Shelby County, AL is listed a L. Woodruff

23. Cicero Demosthenes R. Woodruff was born About 1849 in Arkansas.
24. Annison Woodruff was born About 1852 in Arkansas.
25. Ella LaValle Calhoun was born March 26, 1853 and died May 26, 1921 in Jefferson County, AL. She married John Stone Leeper June 11, 1895 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama⁵². He was born April 1843 in St. Clair County, Alabama and died Before 1900 in Alabama, son of Samuel Leeper and Elenora Stone.

Other events in the life of Ella LaValle Calhoun
Census : 1880 in Courthouse, Tucaloosa Alabama, ED 159
Census : 1900 in Bessemer City, Jefferson Cnty., AL ED 120 Roll 22 Bk. 1 Pg. 24
Census : 1910 in Bessemer City, Jefferson County, AL 1st Ward ED 129
Census : 1920 in Bessemer City, Jefferson County, AL 1st Ward ED 129
Occupation : 1880 in School Teacher
Occupation : 1900 in Teacher, Public Schools
Occupation : 1910 in Teacher, City Schools
Residence : 1920 in 1817 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL

Other events in the life of John Stone Leeper
Census : July 6, 1860 in Columbiana, Shelby County, AL Pg. 16(Age 17)
Occupation : 1860 in Clerk in Store


26. MARTHA FRANCES VELMA CALHOUN was born November 1855 in Centreville, Bibb County, AL and died June 1924 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama. She married 1st JOHN LUTHER PERRY November 30, 1875⁵³. He was born December 17, 1853 in Giles County, TN and died October 20, 1886 in Pleasant Hill (McCalle), Jefferson County, Alabama, son of JOHN ALEXANDER PERRY and DORCAS ELIZABETH WITHERSPOON. She married 2nd William Jacob Long November 5, 1890 in Bessemer, Alabama. He was born 1859 in Ohio and died June 27, 1920 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, AL, son of Allen Dice Long and Lydia C. Peterson.

Other events in the life of MARTHA FRANCES VELMA CALHOUN
Census : 1870 in Ward 4, Arizona, Claiborne Parish, LA
Census : 1880 in Old Town, Perry, Al. Pg. 365C
Census : 1900 in Bessemer City, Jefferson Cnty., AL ED 120 Roll 22 Bk. 1 Pg. 24
Census : 1920 in Bessemer, Jefferson Cnty. AL, 1st Ward ED154 Pg. 205A
Occupation : 1870 in At School
Occupation : 1880 in Keeps House
Residence : 1888 in Arlington Ave., Between 18th and 19th, Bessemer, AL
Residence : 1920 in 1817 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL

Other events in the life of JOHN LUTHER PERRY
Census : 1880 in Old Town, Perry, Alabama Pg. 365C
Occupation : Farmer

Other events in the life of William Jacob Long
Burial : Birmingham, AL
Census : 1880 in Ceasar Creek, Green Cnty. Ohio LDS Fil 1255019
Census : 1900 in Bessemer City, Jefferson Cnty., AL ED 120 Roll 22 Bk. 1 Pg. 24
Census : 1910 in Bessemer City, Jefferson County, AL 1st Ward ED 129
Census : 1920 in Bessemer, Jefferson Cnty. AL, 1st Ward ED154 Pg. 205A
Residence : 1888 in 1612 1/2 1st Street Avenue
Residence : 1910 in 1817 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL
Residence : 1920 in 1817 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL
Occupation : 1888 in Birmingham Cornice Works, Cornice Mfg., tin and slate roofers
Occupation : 1880 in Farm Laborer
Occupation : 1900 in Mfg. Cornices
Occupation : 1920 in Merchant, Hardware Store

Other events in the marriage of MARTHA FRANCES VELMA CALHOUN and William Jacob Long
Marriage : November 5, 1890 in Bessemer, Alabama
_DSTP :

Notes on MARTHA FRANCES VELMA CALHOUN
The Civil War ravaged the home of my Grandmother, and Cholera took her father. Upon learning the plight of his brother's family, John C. Calhoun sent for Grandmother and her sister, Libbia Lorena, to come to live with him in Arizona, La. Libbia died there in 1870, and is buried there. Grandmother stayed for some time, and went to school there before returning to Alabama. Not sure when she returned, but she was married by 1875. In the 1880 Census she is living in Perry County, AL. After the death of John Luther Perry, my Grandmother, Martha Frances Velma Calhoun (Called Velma) helped her mother run a boarding house on Carolina Avenue in Bessemer, AL. This was located near the train station. The region, with its vast resources for making steel, became a great center for commerce. One wise man with vision came to the area. He came from Redkey, Indiana and boarded at my great grandmother's boarding house. His name was William Jacob Long. He married my grandmother and took on the responsibility of raising her children. On October 8, 1891, he became the father of another son, Charles Allen Long. The family prospered and grew in strength. By the time the 20th century rolled around, much of what he had established was on solid footing. The name of his first venture was The Bessemer Cornice Works. This was started in 1887 on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 23rd. Street. A few years later, a Mr. Lewis, owner of Lewis Hardware, needed some financial help, so Granddaddy Long bought out 51% of the company, and later bought out Mr. Lewis altogether. This became Long-Lewis Hardware Co. Sullivan-Long-and Haggerty came into being in 1890 when two Irishmen needed money to build sewers. Later, in 1906, he started Long-Lewis Ford, car agency. [My research incorporated with research done by William S. Perry]

Last Will and Testament of Velma W. Long [not sure why she wrote the "W"]
Know All Men by These Presents:              State of Alabama
                                                                          Jefferson County
     That I, Velma W. Long of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, being of sound mind and disposing memory, and realising the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, and desiring while is the full possission of all my mental faculties to so order and arrange my earthly affairs as not to leave any uncertainty or confusion as to my wishes concerning the disposition of my earthly estate, do hereby make, publish and declare this instrument to be my last will and testament, expressly revoking and annulling any and all other wills by me previously made.
     It is my wish, desire and will that after my death the following things be had and done, to-wit:
     1st. I desire all my just debts paid with all possible promptness and dispatch, including my expense of last illness and funeral.
     2nd. I do name, nominate and appoint my beloved son Charles A. Long, as the Executor of this will and of my estate, and request that he be not required to execute bond in any sum to any court, not to make reports thereto.
     3rd. I do give an bequesth unto my beloved friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Mitchell, all amounts remaining unpaid upon a certain mortgage indebtedness owing, or formerly owed, by her to me in the sum of $2500.00 and also all amounts that my remain unpaid upon a certain note originally in the sum of $1000.00 executed by her to me.
     I do further give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth Anne Mitchell all of my household effrects and furnishings, jewelry, linens, rugs, library, silver, and plate, china , and bric-a-brac of whatever kind or description of which I may die possessed, whether specifically mentioned or not, including my Franklin Automobile, but excluding my Edison Victrola which I desire shall be had by my beloved son, Charles A. Long. I make these bequests to Elizabeth Anne Mitchell because of my admiration for her and my very great appreciation of her kindness and care displayed towards me on all occasions.
     4th. I do give and bequeath unto my three beloved children, John C. Perry, LaValle Perry McCampbell, and Henry David Perry, the sum of one dollar each and my blessing. I make no more substantial bequests to the children because of advancements and gifts made by me to them, and because of their large residuary interests in the estate of my deceased husband, W. J. Long.
     5th. All the rest and residue of my property not specifically bequeathed here in, I do give and bequeath to my beloved son, Charles A. Long, the same to be had, held, and used by him as he may see fit, expressly giving to him all moneys, credits, and funds held or owned by me or in which I may have an interest at the time of my death, whether in my possession or under my control or not.
     In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal on this 1st day of May, 1924. Velma W. Long
     Witness Vassar L. Allen, Lillie Haney

In the 1920 Census, there is a female, M.V. Woodruff, age 50, living with Velma and Jacob Long as a boarder on Carolina Avenue. She was born in Alabama, father in S. Carolina, and mother in Alabama. I believe this to be the daughter of Samuel and Martha Portlock Woodruff.

27. Mary Molly V. Woodruff was born February 1859 in Oktibbeha, MS and died After 1920.
28. John H. Woodruff was born 1863 and died April 20, 1912 in Florence, Lauderdale County, AL.


Sources:
^1-22Written Family Records
²³Tombstone Inscription
^24-28Written Family Records
²⁹Grave Sites
³⁰Dates from tombstones
^31,32Cemetery Records
^33,34Written Family Records
³⁵Farifield County Wills
³⁶Alabama Land Records
³⁷1860 Slave Records
³⁸Written Family Records
³⁹Dates from tombstones
⁴⁰Written Family Records
⁴¹Farifield County Wills
⁴²Alabama Land Records
⁴³1860 Slave Schedules
^44,45Written Family Records
^46,47Alabama Marriages 1800-1920
⁴⁸Alabama Death Records 1908-1959
^49,50Cemetery Inscriptions of Rapides Parish, LA
⁵¹Cemetery Records
^52,53Written Family Records